If you could look into your own future, could you afford to be there? The more you save now, the more likely it is that you’ll have the money you need later. Don't feel that saving has to be "all or nothing!" You don't have to choose between current financial obligations and saving for retirement. Saving even small amounts while you're paying your obligations can put compounding to work for you. Pay yourself first! Have money deducted automatically from your paycheck or set up automatic savings from your checking account, so you save before you can spend.

Money you save now, even if only a small amount, has the most time to benefit from the saving principles of time and compounding. Additionally, it may never be easy to begin saving a larger percentage of your earnings all at once. Starting small and building your savings over time can be a good step toward reaching your goal.​​​